Race for District H constable added to November ballot

Sunday, August 5, 2012

A new race for a Dyer County constable position is being added to the November ballot.

The Dyer County Election Commission is now accepting petitions for Dyer County constable District H. The vacancy was left after the former constable, Derick Hundley, resigned from the post last month after being arrested by the TBI for aggravated exploitation of a minor.

The winner of the race will serve the remainder of Hundley's unexpired term, which will end in 2014. Hundley was re-elected to the post in the 2010 election.

Dyer County Commissioner Jim Horner said he and fellow District H Commissioner Benny Spain got together with Dyer County Mayor Richard Hill and decided on an election rather than nominate someone.

"We thought it was the fair thing to do," said Horner.

Dyer County Election Administrator Anita Fowlkes said residents in District H who are interested in the position can come by the office and pick up a petition beginning Monday. However, they must have the petition turned back in by Aug. 16 at noon.

"It's a close time frame," said Fowlkes.

Fowlkes said there are a few requirements for the position:

* They must live in District H

* Be at least 21 years old

* Be a qualified voter in the district

* Possess at least a high school diploma or GED.

* Not have been separated or discharged from the armed forces with other than an honorable discharge.

* Not convicted of a felony in federal or state court.

Fowlkes said there is a grandfather clause for persons that were already constables as of June 30, 2011.